for all people interested in improving mental health

Archive for June, 2011

Our groups did not have any specific questions to take to the Partnership Board because the Forum meeting is next week, and the Carers group had had a social meeting to celebrate Carers Week.

We have still not had any more news about Direct Payments and breaks – the Partnership Board will ask the Council for an update.

The Partnership Board discussed:

lack of attendance from representatives for GP, 5 Boroughs, local authority and voluntary sector. Several items couldn’t be discussed in detail because their representatives weren’t there to provide up to date information

Assertive Outreach team changes

Veterans mental health and service provision including self help groups in Manchester and the STEPS project in Warrington

Older People’s Mental Health – following the end of the Older People’s Partnership Board, this will now be discussed at the MH Board

Consultations – the PCT will be consulting on older people’s, acute care, psychological therapies – this is on behalf of the PCT, and will be done by Halton And St Helens VCA.

5 Boroughs will be consulting on their Acute Care Pathway

CQUIN targets – will be distributed

Crisis service recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny and the action plan

Social Inclusion Network as a task group of the Partnership Board

Bridgewater update (This is the new name for Community Health Services)

Emma Rodriguez Dos Santos, St Helens LINk, told the group about various dementia consultations taking place in St Helens.

Young Carers asked about the self help groups and we talked about Oasis, the Peer Support Network, Women’s group and No Secrets.

Dreams group – Contact Tony and Dave for more information. The group is on hold until more people come forward. (Speak to them or one of the volunteers at Oasis)

Walking group – speak to Oasis volunteers for more information.

St Helens Council – Crisis team scrutiny report

LINk will be following this up. There are 11 recommendations which cover a wide range of organizations including 5 Boroughs, GPs and the police. The report is available on the Council’s website (www.sthelens.gov.uk )

News from the Partnership Board – May 17th

Denise and Kim attended the meeting. They took the questions from the group:

We asked about the Birmingham ruling outside the meeting, and were told that it was different circumstances.

Changes to Carers Break funding – If the person being supported does not receive services from 5 Boroughs, their carer can get Carers Break support from the Carers Centre, but cannot access funding through John Edwards.

Lack of respite for carers in St Helens – They asked if we had evidence of need for respite. They said there may be some places such as Avondale, Greengate or Sherdley Court who could offer a transition bed.

News from groups:

“NO SECRETS” is here to support those affected by self injury/self harm to come forward and get the help they need and deserve. We are a friendly group and our aim is to raise awareness of self injury, break down the stigma surrounding self injury, and offer support to people like us, who are affected by self injury.

Many people use self injury/self harm as a way of coping with very difficult emotions, and most do not tell anybody about it. People shouldn’t be afraid of talking about self injury: it’s nothing to be ashamed of and it should be taken seriously.

If you, or somebody you know, needs help please contact “NO SECRETS” for support. (see website for details at http://nosecrets.moonfruit.com )

Matthew Avenue group meets from 1-3pm on Friday afternoons – this is a Mind group so you need to get a referral from Mind.

St.Helens Mind is hosting a Fundraising Quiz Night at Heath Park Lodge on Wednesday 29th June from 7.30 pm. For just £5 you can enjoy a quiz with cash prizes and a free prize bingo. Soft drinks and snacks will be provided but you can also take your own alcoholic drinks. Tickets are available by calling 01744 677058 or emailing sthelmind@yahoo.com.